But what does breast cancer have to do with keeping the lights on? According to Reuters, ‘younger women aged 21 to 44, average treatment costs in the first year after a breast cancer diagnosis were $97,486 higher than average medical costs for similar women who didn’t have breast cancer‘ which is crazy in comparison to ‘older women aged 45 to 64 had average treatment costs in the first year after a breast cancer diagnosis that were $75,737 more than their peers without breast cancer spent on healthcare in a year.’ All I know is, that’s aHELL of a lot of digits & dollar signs. I can’t imagine the pain & strength it takes to battle breast cancer AND be able to pay for never-ending medical bills, a mortgage, rent, school fees for children or family, the list goes on & on. There are women suffering or who have survived breast cancer that now can barely afford to keep a roof over their own family’s head.

Our goal is to raise $1k to donate $100 to 10 women suffering.This allows these 10 women to have the simple luxury of being able to switch a light on while entering their home after enduring mentally, spiritually, & physically draining trails,without the worry that the light won’t turn on because the electricity wasn’t able to be paid for. We want to help 10 women have just a little less anxiety about being able to cover one or two bills on top of medical bills. We are not asking you to donate a ton of money, we are just asking a ton of you to donate a small amount. EVERY dollar helps!

We will be giving away a $100.00 Visa gift card, a pair of my favorite lashes & a pair of Laurena’s favorite lashes, to one lucky winner who will be chosen from the our donation page!

1. While donating on our fundraiser page (whatever amount you feel called to donate, there is no minimum or maximum), include your Instagram handle in either the name or comment section of your donation.
2. After donating, head over to Instagram and followbothGlow Getter Diaries & Love By Laur.
3. Tag 2 people or friends in our latest post about this giveaway!
4. Giveaway ends on November 17th, 2017!

There is no limit for how many donations & entries you can make.

We will be choosing a winner randomly, with no bias to donation amount, this winner will be announced publicly & contacted when the giveaway is over on November 17th, 2017.

This past summer of June 2017, I met with my OBGYN for my annual check up. The normal routine was done, pap smear, lymph node examination, & last but not least- breast examination. My right breast checked out clear so she moved to the left, just as she was about to declare it clear as well, she felt a lump on the left side of my breast. “How long has this been here?”, she asked. I was shook…there was something there? I hadn’t noticed, that’s when she followed up with her next question, “when’s the last time you self examined your breast?” Again, I was shook…when was the last time I checked myself? I couldn’t even recall, although as women were told often how important self breast checks are.

This was the catalysts to future doctors appointments & procedures that prolonged into the rest of the summer. Talk about anxiety on f*cking fleek, right? She sent me for a breast ultra sound, the results came back & the radiologists advised me to see a “Breast Surgeon Specialist”. Naturally, I was already a little worried, & after I heard the word “Surgeon“, I freaked the f*ck out! The results showed that the size & shape of the lump didn’t necessarily look like breast cancer, but you can never be 100% sure visually without testing. It was my call. Wait & watch it for another 6 months & come back for another ultra sound if it gets bigger or doesn’t change or get a biopsy done to be certain right away.

A biopsy is when they cut an incision into the breast, stick a huge needle into the lump, & collect various samples of the tissue to be tested for cancer. The thought of someone cutting a hole into my boob, let alone sticking a giant needle into it, had my mind spinning. BUT- It was important I didn’t take any chances. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, had a double mastectomy preformed (where they remove both of your breast) & within God’s glorious grace & timing, was cancer free in a years time. Knowing this had happened to my grandma in the past year, I knew my chances were slim, but there was still a chance. My parent’s persuaded me to do the biopsy, so I set the biopsy appointment.

Much to my surprise, my nurses & doctors performing the biopsy on me, were cool & very comforting, they made the procedure less intimidating. The doctor was about to numb my left breast & said, “you’ll feel a small pinch, like a bee sting.” A bee sting?! “I’ve never been stung by a bee!” But all anxiety subsided because it was really not that bad, a slight tingle, & that was it- I was numb! I turned my head away while he made a small incision, & the next step was taking the giant needle to collect the samples. Honestly, the scariest part was the noise the needle made when it collected the sample, it was a loud snapping noise that happened every time a tissue sample was collected. The procedure took all of, 20min tops! It was so quick & so painless. Now the only anxiety was waiting back to hear the lab results. 2 days went by & I got a phone call, “Your results came back benign tissue & noncancerous, congratulations” WOW, God had really pulled through for me that summer.

As much as I asked God, “Why” so many times through the process, anxiety, fear, & confusion, I now realize the answer. It made me stronger, wiser, more resilient, more aware, more compassionate, knowledgeable, among so many other things. I just knew deep in my heart that some day I would be able to share this testimony to comfort or help someone, who is going through breast cancer, a scare, or who has suffered. For so long I have wanted to do just that, help women suffering or who have survived breast cancer, but…I’m just little ol’ me, how could I make a big impact? I couldn’t figure it out until now…& today is the beginning of becoming the change that I want to see in this world.

If you took the time & patience to read my testimony story, thank you so much. My hopes are to make my grandmother & the women suffering or have suffered breast cancer, proud. I’m really excited about this fundraiser & I can’t wait for US ALL to change the lives of 10 women! Do you have a breast cancer or scare testimony? If you feel comfortable in doing so, feel free to share it below in the comments or a private message. I want this blog post to be as empowering as it can possibly be- a place of inspiration & support. Thank you so much for your participation, let’s be the change we want to see in this world.

3 Comments

Talia

October 26, 2017 / 11:28 pm

I read this when you first posted it, but I realized I need to start commenting on your amazing blog! First off I want to start by saying HELLO GIRL BOSS! You are on your way to the top, I know it and I feel it. Please don’t ever give up, I adore reading these. Your writing and the way you put things are truly amazing. Secondly, I am truly sorry for your grandmother, but so so happy she is a strong survivor. I know almost everyone knows someone effected by this horrible disease and it’s amazing you are bringing awareness and a way to help in any way you can. My step mom has been fighting it for too long now, and still in the fight. She is so strong and truly acts like she’s okay. When being strong is all you truly have, you really become that strong. And, thirdly I am very inspired by all young women so driven and determined. My dream is to see women doing what they love and just being the love in this cruel world. We start by being the change we so badly wish to seek. Love your work babe, more people must know about you! Which they will because it will shine and take over hehe! Alright that’s all for now, by friend!

absolutely love this!💛
My grandma recently overcame breast cancer, so I love and admire what you’re doing (as usual) and I’m so blessed to share that she is a survivor, amongst the other various health issues she faces, this was her biggest battle that she won with the grace of God of course!

– All that you’re doing and continue to set out to do is so moving and empowering!

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that, I am so over joyed to hear that your grandma too, over came breast cancer. Thank God! May he continue to protect & bless you & your family Kawehi! & Thank you so much for your feedback & support in all that I do, it’s truly so very appreciated! I hope to see you support the fundraiser & possibly win our $100.00 & Lashes prize! xo